Valentinne Escalante
Aurora,IL
Summary
Shift Leader that displays expert knowledge in serving, customer service, and shift operation. Consistently adheres to food quality, appearance, and presentation requirements. Demonstrates good listening skills, and excellent follow-through on task management and teamwork. Seasoned Tasting Room Attendant with relevant experience in managing tasting rooms, educating visitors about wine varieties and fostering an engaging atmosphere. Strengths lie in exceptional customer service skills, comprehensive knowledge of wine profiles, and ability to drive sales through suggestive selling techniques. Demonstrated success in enhancing guest experiences, contributing to positive online reviews and repeat business.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Tasting Room Attendant
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
Naperville, IL
11.2022 - Current
- Educated patrons on proper wine selection, storage and pairing with food items.
- Managed daily operations of the tasting room which included opening and closing procedures, scheduling staff shifts and assigning tasks.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations related to alcohol consumption and safety guidelines.
- Explained various wines to customers and provided tastings of the products.
- Developed relationships with existing clientele while also engaging with potential new customers.
- Demonstrated advanced wine knowledge to assist guests with tasting choices.
- Mentored junior team members and managed employee relationships.
Server Shift Leader
Rockrimmon Country Club
Stamford, CT
05.2021 - 09.2022
- Created a positive guest experience by listening to guest needs and recommending options to meet requests.
- Trained and acclimated new servers to the restaurant's culture and operations.
- Supervised serving staff to drive a high level of hospitality and food excellence.
- Managed tables throughout the dining room to execute service at the highest level.
- Maintained thorough knowledge of the menu to describe dining options.
- Directed and assisted in general dining room cleaning and sanitation.
- Leveraged proper serving etiquette to promote an inviting dining atmosphere.
- Worked with management to coordinate special functions and events.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
Cash Office Associate
TJX Companies
Norwalk, CT
09.2019 - 05.2021
- Reconciled daily cash variance reports, tracking overages and shortages through compilation of summary reports and comparing against past variances to isolate and address possible causes.
- Organized cash movements between offices and to or from banks.
- Investigated and solved account issues to maintain current and accurate money systems.
- Received and recorded cash, checks and transfers.
Sales Associate
TJX Companies
Norwalk, CT
09.2013 - 08.2019
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions and offered product advice.
- Trained new team members in cash register operation, stock procedures and customer services.
- Arranged new merchandise with signage and appealing displays to encourage customer sales and move overstock items.
- Built and maintained relationships with peers and upper management to drive team success.
- Engaged customers in friendly, professional dialogue to determine needs.
- Answered incoming telephone calls to provide store, products and services information.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Norwalk Community College
Norwalk, CTSkills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Team Leadership
- Customer Service
- Team training
- Customer education
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Client relationship management
Certification
- Court of Masters Sommeliers Americas Introductory Sommelier course 2024
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
References
Kat Szeszak
General Manager
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
Naperville, IL
Cell (630) 688-9452
Store (630) 245-8000
Vincent Sofi
Assistant General Manager
Rockrimmon Country Club
Stamford CT
Vincent@rockrimmon.org
(347) 237-7530
Timeline
Tasting Room Attendant
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
11.2022 - Current
Server Shift Leader
Rockrimmon Country Club
05.2021 - 09.2022
Cash Office Associate
TJX Companies
09.2019 - 05.2021
Sales Associate
TJX Companies
09.2013 - 08.2019
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Norwalk Community College